Steve Nash Enriquez ended his NU career with gratitude and perspective after the Bulldogs’ UAAP Season 88 Final Four loss to La Salle.
Steve Nash Enriquez closed his National University career full of appreciation even after their 78–73 loss to De La Salle University in their UAAP Season 88 Final Four knockout game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, December 6.
The defeat ended NU’s strong 11–3 elimination run and marked another disappointment for a top-seeded Bulldogs squad.
Enriquez, who played 11 minutes in his final UAAP game and recorded a point and two assists, said he had no regrets about choosing NU.
“Yes. Pinaka-best na decision and I’m so blessed na binigay ito ni Lord sa akin. Walang regrets, no regrets na pinili ko 'yung NU,” Enriquez said.
“I am so thankful na tinanggap nila ako ng dalawang kamay. Alam ko na kahit nung natalo kami, parang nagluksa rin sila para sa amin. Alam ko naman na sobrang mahal ako ng NU sa sobrang tagal ko dito,” he added.
Nearly a decade under the NU program
After spending nearly a decade in the NU program, Enriquez said he is truly grateful for the opportunity to compete in the UAAP.
“I’m so grateful na na-experience ko itong UAAP, at the same time, na nakapaglaro ako sa NU. Hindi ko ipapagpalit itong eight to nine years ko dito [sa NU]. I’m so grateful na tinanggap nila ‘yung mga tulad ko na nangangarap ako dati.”
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The crafty guard acknowledged the disappointment of falling short of a championship but hopes the graduating Bulldogs will find success in their next chapter.
Enriquez is one of five NU players graduating in Season 88, along with Jolo Manansala, Jake Figueroa, Gelo Santiago, and Mark Parks.
Steve Nash Enriquez shares a tight embrace with other fellow graduating NU players. | Photo: UAAP
“Sadly, hindi lang talaga namin nakuha, pero siguro pinagpe-pray ko pa rin, lalo sa mga grumaduate, na hindi ‘man para sa amin itong college basketball na mag-champion kami,” he said. “Hopefully, kung saan ‘man kami dadalhin ni Lord sa pro career namin, baka doon maging masaya.”
As he exits the UAAP without a championship or a Finals appearance, Enriquez hopes the next chapter in his basketball career will be much more sweeter.
“Hindi ‘man kami nanalo dito, pero hindi natin alam yung will ni Lord na baka manalo kami sa buhay. ‘Yon lang, marami pa kami challenges na haharapin, and there’s one of this challenge na heartbreak dito sa UAAP.”
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.